DOCSLIB.ORG

Handbook for Polling Station Staff

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Handbook for Polling Station Staff Handbook for polling station staff Supporting a UK Parliamentary election in Great Britain Other formats For information on obtaining this publication in a large-print or Braille version, please contact the Electoral Commission: Tel: 020 7271 0500 Email: [email protected] Handbook for polling station staff. Order code: UKPE17G001E © The Electoral Commission 2017 Contents 1 Introduction 1 Appendix 1 – Equality issues 20 Disabled electors and elections 20 2 The election and the polling Assistance to electors unable to gain station team 2 access to the polling station 20 UK Parliamentary elections 2 Disabled voters 20 Roles and responsibilities of the polling Blind or partially sighted people 21 station team 2 Deaf-blind people 21 3 Before polling day 4 Deaf people 21 Mental capacity, disability and voting 22 Training for polling station staff 4 Locating the polling station 4 Appendix 2 – Dealing with problems Standards of appearance 4 on the register of electors 23 Contacting other members of the team 5 Age – entitlement to vote 23 Delivery or collection of the ballot box 5 Mis-spelt names and voters who have 4 Polling day: before the poll opens 6 changed their name 23 Other electors 23 Arriving at the polling station 6 A person who is not on the register What happens if the key-holder of electors 23 does not attend? 6 Clerical errors on the register 23 Checking supplies and materials 6 Any other person who is not on the Polling station layout 7 register of electors 24 Signs and notices 8 Who may be present in the polling station? 8 Appendix 3 – Procedure for postal Sealing the ballot box 10 and proxy voters 25 Some last-minute checks 11 Postal voters 25 5 Polling day: opening and Proxy voters 26 conducting the poll 12 Appendix 4 – Electors with an Opening the polling station 12 anonymous register entry 28 Summary of the voting procedure 12 Procedure for issuing ballot papers to Stage one – checking the voter 12 electors with an anonymous entry 28 Stage two – issuing the ballot paper 14 What if an elector with an anonymous Stage three – voting 15 entry appears at the polling station without a poll card? 28 6 The close of poll 17 Procedures 17 Appendix 5a – The Completing the paperwork 18 prescribed questions 29 Packing materials at the polling station 19 Transporting election materials to the count centre 19 Appendix 5b – Tendered Appendix 10 – Frequently asked ballot papers 32 questions for polling station staff Circumstances in which to issue on polling day 39 tendered ballot papers 32 Procedure for issue 32 Appendix 11 – Polling station Reasons for completing a tendered set-up checklist 41 ballot paper 33 Appendix 6 – Security at the polling station 34 Keeping order 34 Serious disturbances or incidents and the adjournment of the poll 34 Dealing with difficult situations 35 Appendix 7 – Procedure for dealing with personation 36 What happens if polling station staff suspect a person of personating an elector or proxy? 36 What happens if an election agent, polling agent or candidate challenges a voter? 36 What happens if someone else (apart from a proxy) appears to have voted on behalf of the voter? 36 Appendix 8 – Guidance on tellers, the media and exit polls 37 Tellers 37 The media 37 Exit polls 37 Appendix 9 – Health and safety 38 Health and safety of polling station staff and electors 38 Lifting heavy objects 38 1 Introduction This handbook is designed to assist polling station staff working at a UK Parliamentary election in Great Britain. It describes the procedures to be followed and how to deal with any issues that may arise. As polling station staff, you play a central role in the election. Your role is vital in ensuring that voters, political parties, candidates and agents have confidence in the election process. You will receive training on your role, but you should still read this handbook carefully in advance of polling day to ensure that you are familiar with all the processes that are described in it. References are made throughout this handbook to the (Acting) Returning Officer. This is because most arrangements related to the conduct of the poll are the responsibility of the (Acting) Returning Officer. In practice, however, it is the electoral administrator who is responsible for the day-to-day running of elections. Polling station staff will be given local contact details prior to polling day and this will most likely be, in the first instance, the elections office. Handbook for polling station staff 1 2 The election and the polling station team UK Parliamentary elections • organise the layout of the polling station The first-past-the-post electoral system is used and liaise, if required, with the key-holder of for elections to the UK Parliament. the building • instruct and supervise the work of Poll Clerks Voters should mark their ballot paper by placing a single ‘X’ in the box next to the candidate of • open and close the polling station on time their choice. If they vote for more than one • maintain order in the polling station candidate, their ballot paper will not be counted. • be polite and professional in dealing with electors, candidates and agents, and others Roles and responsibilities of the entitled to be present in the polling station polling station team • act impartially at all times The role of polling station staff is to ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free • account and be responsible for all the ballot from influence and in a calm atmosphere. papers, paperwork and ballot box(es) • ask the prescribed questions of voters when Both the Presiding Officer and Poll Clerks should necessary, including when asked to do so by be able to carry out each other’s duties if candidates or agents or before the issue of a required. However, Presiding Officers have an tendered ballot paper overall responsibility for the polling station and • ensure that the proper procedure for voting is carry out an additional supervisory role. Also, in followed, ensuring that the corresponding law, there are a number of duties that only number list is marked correctly Presiding Officers can carry out. These are: • ensure that when either they or their Poll Clerk • requesting that a police officer remove issues a ballot paper, it bears the official mark someone from a polling station and is issued correctly to eligible electors (see Appendix 6) • deal with special voting procedures • asking the prescribed questions as required (see Appendix 5a) • receive any postal votes handed in by electors • limiting the number of accredited observers present at any one time (see Chapter 4) • manage the attendance of those entitled to be present in the polling station, e.g. candidates Duties of the Presiding Officer and agents, representatives of the Electoral Presiding Officers are responsible for the Commission and accredited observers, and conduct of the ballot in the polling station and ensure that they do not interfere with the they should have a sound knowledge of the voting process voting procedures. • monitor the activities of tellers outside polling places and ensure that they do not interfere The Presiding Officer’s main duties are to: with the voting process • comply with any instructions issued by the • keep the polling station neat and tidy (Acting) Returning Officer • ensure that all signs and notices are clear, • ensure the secrecy and security of the ballot visible and remain in place throughout the day 2 Handbook for polling station staff Where there is more than one polling station in a building, the (Acting) Returning Officer or election staff may designate one of the Presiding Officers to take an overall responsibility for the polling place. Duties of the Poll Clerk Poll Clerks do not have the responsibilities of the Presiding Officer, but they should know all of the procedures for voting and how to deal with any problems. The Poll Clerk’s main duties are to: • comply with the instructions of the (Acting) Returning Officer and the Presiding Officer • assist with the layout of the polling station and prepare for the opening of the poll • be polite and professional in dealing with voters, candidates and agents, representatives of the Electoral Commission and accredited observers • act impartially at all times • check that electors are eligible to vote in the election and at this polling station • check and mark voters’ elector numbers in the register of electors • on the corresponding number list, write the voter’s elector number against the number of the ballot paper issued • issue ballot papers to voters when directed to do so by the Presiding Officer, ensuring that they bear the official mark • ensure that voters cast their votes in secret • maintain the secrecy of the ballot at all times • answer voters’ questions, where appropriate, in a friendly and professional way • help with any other polling station duties on the instruction of the Presiding Officer • assist the Presiding Officer to complete necessary procedures after the close of poll Handbook for polling station staff 3 3 Before polling day Training for polling station staff Some premises may contain two or more polling Polling station staff will need to be fully briefed stations. If so, Presiding Officers, where about the election and cannot rely solely on past instructed to do so by the elections team, experience. Neither should polling station staff should coordinate any visit to the premises prior rely only on this handbook. (Acting) Returning to polling day with the other Presiding Officers. Officers should have scheduled training or The key-holder will appreciate this and it will briefing sessions in advance of the election and enable colleagues to discuss entrance, exit and they will expect polling station staff to attend.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Returning Officer Manual August 2021
    Returning Officer Manual August 2021 Director General’s Foreword Local government elections are the ultimate means by which council members are held accountable for their performance as community representatives. To maintain public confidence in the democratic process, elections must be run to the highest standards of fairness and propriety. It is the returning officer’s responsibility to ensure those standards are achieved. This manual is designed to assist returning officers in the conduct of voting ‘in person’ elections. It is an example of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ continuing commitment to assist local governments in meeting their statutory and community obligations. I am pleased to commend the manual for use by returning officers and other relevant electoral officers. Lanie Chopping Director General June 2021 Returning Officer Manual: Foreword (2021) Page i Acknowledgements The Returning Officer Manual was originally prepared by Mrs Steve Smith, consultant, under the direction of Mr Darryl Schorer at the (former) Department of Local Government. Major contributions were made by the following: • Russel Fishwick, Town of Victoria Park • Trevor Harken, Town of Mosman Park • Graeme Mackenzie, Town of Bassendean • Allan Middleton of the former Shire of Northam • Geoff Owen, McLeod & Co • Tom Pashley, Shire of Mundaring • Ian Rennie, Shire of Dandaragan Published by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Gordon Stephenson House 140 William Street Telephone: (08) 6551 8700 Facsimile: (08) 6552 1555 Freecall: 1800 620 511 (Country Only) Email: [email protected] Web: www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) - Tel: 13 14 50 ISBN 0-7309 2039 9 Reviewed 2021.
    [Show full text]
  • Local Elections in England and Wales •
    Local elections in England and Wales • Guidance for candidates and agents Overview document December 2019 This document applies to district, borough, county, county borough and unitary authority elections. It does not apply to parish and community council elections, mayoral elections or elections to the Greater London Authority. Our guidance and resources for other elections in the UK can be accessed from our website at: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am- a/candidate-or-agent/local-elections-england. 1 Contents Purpose of our guidance for candidates and agents ............ 2 How to use our guidance ...................................................... 2 Terminology used in the guidance .................................... 4 Who does what at a local election and how to contact them? ............................................................................................. 4 The Returning Officer ....................................................... 4 The Electoral Registration Officer ..................................... 4 The Electoral Commission ................................................ 5 Contacting us ....................................................................... 6 If you are a candidate or agent in England ....................... 6 If you are a candidate or agent in Wales .......................... 6 Local elections > England and Wales > Candidates and agents > Overview 2 Purpose of our guidance for candidates and agents 1.1 Our guidance aims to provide practical advice for anyone Data protection who
    [Show full text]
  • Responsibilities of Returning Officers
    Responsibilities of Returning Officers Standard Note: SN/PC/05302 Last updated: 28 January 2010 Author: Oonagh Gay Section Parliament and Constitution Centre This Note sets out the general responsibilities of Returning Officers and Acting Returning Officers in Great Britain. They are appointed under the Representation of the People Act 1983 and are responsible for the conduct of elections. Library Standard Note 5166 Timing of parliamentary election counts deals separately with the question of the timing of the counting of votes – a decision taken by Returning Officers. This Note does not cover that issue, but gives information about the performance standards for Returning Officers issued by the Electoral Commission and funding for elections generally. Contents 1 Introduction 2 2 Role of the Electoral Commission 3 3 Performance standards 3 4 Funding for elections 5 This information is provided to Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary duties and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual. It should not be relied upon as being up to date; the law or policies may have changed since it was last updated; and it should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice or as a substitute for it. A suitably qualified professional should be consulted if specific advice or information is required. This information is provided subject to our general terms and conditions which are available online or may be provided on request in hard copy. Authors are available to discuss the content of this briefing with Members and their staff, but not with the general public.
    [Show full text]
  • UK Parliamentary General Election? •
    UK Parliamentary general election? • Guidance for candidates and agents Overview document April 2017 This document applies to a UK Parliamentary general election in Great Britain. Our guidance and resources for other elections in the UK, including for a UK Parliamentary by-election in Great Britain, can be accessed from our website at: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance/resources-for-those-we- regulate/candidates-and-agents. 1 Contents Purpose of our guidance for candidates and agents ............ 2 How to use our guidance ...................................................... 2 Who does what at a UK Parliamentary general election and how to contact them ............................................................. 4 The Returning Officer and Acting Returning Officer .......... 4 The Electoral Registration Officer ..................................... 5 The Electoral Commission ................................................ 5 Contacting us ....................................................................... 6 UK Parliamentary general election > Great Britain > Candidates and agents > Overview 2 Purpose of our guidance for candidates and agents 1.1 Our guidance aims to provide practical advice for anyone who wants to stand as a candidate or be an agent at a UK Parliamentary general election. It covers the whole election process, including the main steps towards standing as a candidate, the campaign and election periods, the declaration of the result and election spending. It includes relevant factual material as well as a guide to sources of further information. Standing for election can be complicated, but we hope that our guidance will make it as straightforward as possible. How to use our guidance 1.2 Our guidance is made up of six parts, setting out the different stages candidates and agents need to go through when standing at a UK Parliamentary general election.
    [Show full text]
  • Derby City Council (Identification in Polling Stations) Pilot Order 2019
    The Derby City Council (Identification in Polling Stations) Pilot Order 2019 Made - - - - 4th March 2019 Coming into force in accordance with Article 1 This Order is made in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 10(1) of the Representation of the People Act 2000 (“the 2000 Act”)(a). Derby City Council (the “Council”) submitted proposals for a scheme under section 10 of the 2000 Act to apply to any election that will take place in relation to any vacancy in the membership of that Council arising on the ordinary day of elections in 2019. The Minister for the Cabinet Office modified the Council’s proposals, having consulted the Council on the modifications, as required by section 10(1) of the 2000 Act. The Minister for the Cabinet Office also consulted the Electoral Commission on these proposals, as required by section 10(1A) of the 2000 Act. The Minister for the Cabinet Office makes the following Order: Citation and commencement 1. This Order may be cited as the Derby City Council (Identification in Polling Stations) Pilot Order 2019 and comes into force on the day after the day it is made. Interpretation 2. In this Order and in any modification to an enactment made by this Order, unless the contrary intention appears— “2000 Act” means the Representation of the People Act 2000; “2006 Principal Areas Rules” means the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006(b); “the Appendix” means the Appendix of Forms in Part 7 of Schedule 2 to the 2006 Principal Areas Rules; “the election” means any local government election that takes place arising from a vacancy in the membership of Derby City Council arising on the ordinary day of elections in 2019.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2012 – 2013
    Western Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2012 – 2013 Western Australian Electoral Commission This report Letter of transmittal This report describes the functions and operations of the Western The Hon. Peter Collier MLC Australian Electoral Commission, outlining our performance and Minister for Electoral Affairs outputs during 2012–2013 and also presents our audited financial 10th Floor, Dumas House statements and performance indicators for the year ended Havelock Street 30 June 2013. WEST PERTH WA 6005 The report should be read in the context that the desired outcome of Dear Minister the Commission is as follows: Western Australian electors are able to Western Australian Electoral Commission participate in independent and impartial elections or polls as part of the Annual Report 2012–2013 State’s democratic processes. In accordance with the Western Australian Public Sector Annual Yours sincerely Reporting Framework for the 2012–2013 reporting year, I submit for your endorsement and presentation to Parliament, the Annual Report of the Western Australian Electoral Commission for the year ended 30 June 2013. The report includes the Auditor General’s Opinion on the Commission’s financial statements and performance indicators. Chris Avent Yours sincerely A/ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER 16 September 2013 Chris Avent A/ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER 16 September 2013 Who we are The Western Australian Electoral Commission, About us created in 1987 following electoral reforms, is Our Purpose a department of the WA Public Service through which electoral legislation is administered and To provide Western Australians with quality electoral services through the conduct of impartial the functions of the Electoral Commissioner are and independent elections and the promotion of public awareness of electoral matters, thereby performed.
    [Show full text]
  • Application for Anonymous Registration Who Can Register to Vote?
    Application for anonymous registration How do I register to vote? 1 Fill in the electoral registration form. 2 Make sure you complete all relevant sections of the form and sign the ‘declaration’. You can only use this form if your (or someone in your household’s) safety would be at risk if your name or address was on the electoral register. 3 Return your form as soon as possible to your Electoral Registration Office. You can find their address at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk 4 This registration lasts for one year. Please do not return your form to The Electoral Commission. We cannot add you to the register. Register as soon as you can, or it may be too late to vote in the next election. Who can register to vote? Who has my personal details? ■ anyone aged 16 or over (but you cannot Your name and address will not appear on the electoral vote until you are 18) register. You will receive a certificate of anonymous ■ British or qualifying Commonwealth citizens. registration. You have the choice of sending this to This means Commonwealth citizens who credit reference agencies to prove your identity to help have leave to enter or remain in the UK or you obtain credit facilities. do not require such leave. Support for application ■ citizens of the Republic of Ireland or other You will need either a court order that is in force to European Union (EU) member states protect you or a qualified person to support your British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying application. Please see the notes in section 8 of the citizens of Commonwealth countries (including form for who or what can support your application.
    [Show full text]
  • Part a Returning Officer Guidance
    Part A – (Acting) Returning Officer role and responsibilities UK Parliamentary general election and local government elections in England on 7 May 2015: guidance for (Acting) Returning Officers In this guidance we use ‘must’ when we refer to a specific legal requirement. We use ‘should’ for items we consider to be recommended practice, but which are not legal requirements. Translations and other formats For information on obtaining this publication in another language or in a large- print or Braille version please contact the Electoral Commission: Tel: 020 7271 0500 Email: [email protected] Contents 1 Introduction to this guidance ................................................................ 1 Purpose ................................................................................................... 1 How to use this guidance ........................................................................ 2 Terminology ............................................................................................. 3 2 The May 2015 elections .......................................................................... 4 Timing ...................................................................................................... 4 Scale ....................................................................................................... 4 Nature of the contests ............................................................................. 5 Individual Electoral Registration .............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Electoral Services This Privacy Notice Explains What Personal Information Is Collected, What It Is Used for and Who It Is Provided To
    Privacy Notice Oldham MBC – Electoral Services This privacy notice explains what personal information is collected, what it is used for and who it is provided to. The notice also describes why the Council / Electoral Registration Officer / Returning Officer requires your data, and the legal basis on which they do this. This privacy notice relates to the Council’s Electoral Services Unit (“the Service”). It provides additional information that specifically relates to this particular service, and should be read together with the Council’s general privacy notice, which provides more detail on the matters below. Click here to read the Council’s general privacy notice https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200148/data_protection_and_freedom_of_informatio n/2078/oldham_council_privacy_notice/1 It should be noted that for many of the Service’s functions it will not be processing personal data on behalf of the Council. It will instead be processing personal data on behalf of one or more of the following statutory office holders: (a) the registration officer appointed by the Council under section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983; (b) the acting returning officer for parliamentary elections for any parliamentary constituency for which that position is held under section 28 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 by the registration officer referred to at (a) above; (c) the returning officer appointed for the purposes of local elections by the Council under section 35 of the Representation of the People Act 1983; (d) the local returning
    [Show full text]
  • Guidance for Local Returning Officers
    Supporting European Parliamentary elections in Great Britain Managing a European Parliamentary election in Great Britain Guidance for Local Returning Officers Managing a European Parliamentary election in Great Britain Guidance for Local Returning Officers EPEGB09G001E Translations and other formats For information on obtaining this publication in another language or in a large-print or Braille version please contact the Electoral Commission: Tel: 020 7271 0500 Email: [email protected] The Electoral Commission We are an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections. Head office Wales The Electoral Commission The Electoral Commission Trevelyan House Caradog House Great Peter Street 1–6 Saint Andrews Place London SW1P 2HW Cardiff CF10 3BE Tel: 020 7271 0500 Tel: 029 2034 6800 Fax: 020 7271 0505 Fax: 029 2034 6805 [email protected] [email protected] www.electoralcommission.org.uk www.electoralcommission.org.uk Scotland The Electoral Commission 28 Thistle Street Edinburgh EH2 1EN Tel: 0131 225 0200 Fax: 0131 225 0205 [email protected] www.electoralcommission.org.uk © The Electoral Commission 2009 Contents Part A – Context 1 Introduction Legislation 2 The electoral framework Timing of elections Timetable Electoral system Casual vacancies 3 Roles and responsibilities The Electoral Registration Officer The Regional Returning
    [Show full text]
  • Anonymous Registration
    6 Anonymous registration Introduction 6.1 Anonymous registration is available to people meeting certain statutory requirements where, if their name or address were listed on the electoral register, their safety would be at risk. Any other person in the same household as a person at risk is also qualified to register as an anonymous elector. Requirements for anonymous registration 6.2 An application for anonymous registration consists of a normal application for registration accompanied by an application for anonymous registration. It would be practical to combine the two as is usual practice with other declaration applications. All applicants must meet the normal requirements for registration (age, nationality, residence and not disqualified). 6.3 Applications must be signed and dated by the applicant and must contain:73 • the applicant’s full name • their address • the reason for their application • evidence to support their application (a court document or an attestation as described below) • evidence that the applicant is in the same household as a person who meets the safety test (if they are not the person at risk themselves) • a declaration that: – the evidence to support their application is genuine – any evidence given when they are in the same household as someone at risk is also genuine – the other information given is true, and – they are a citizen of the European Union or a Commonwealth country as stated in the application 6.4 All applicants must satisfy the Electoral Registration Officer that their safety or that of any other person in the same household would be at risk if their details were made public.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidance for Candidates and Agents
    Local elections in England and Wales • Guidance for candidates and agents Overview document October 2016 This document applies to district, borough, county, county borough and unitary authority elections. It does not apply to parish and community council elections, mayoral elections or elections to the Greater London Authority. Our guidance and resources for other elections in the UK can be accessed from our website at: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance/resources-for- those-we-regulate/candidates-and-agents. 1 Contents Purpose of our guidance for candidates and agents ............ 2 How to use our guidance ...................................................... 2 Terminology used in the guidance .................................... 4 Who does what at a local election and how to contact them? ............................................................................................. 4 The Returning Officer ....................................................... 4 The Electoral Registration Officer ..................................... 4 The Electoral Commission ................................................ 5 Contacting us ....................................................................... 6 If you are a candidate or agent in England ....................... 6 If you are a candidate or agent in Wales .......................... 6 Local elections > England and Wales > Candidates and agents > Overview 2 Purpose of our guidance for candidates and agents 1.1 Our guidance aims to provide practical advice for anyone who wants to stand
    [Show full text]